Helsinki, Finland - twenty-four hour twitch 24-25 Feb 2016. (1 Viewer)

[wolfbirder]

Thanks Ken. I really must advance into the technology of the current century and perhaps find a hobby that is less stressful to me -

But I love it.

 

[stuartvine]

Sounds like Crete, where the name/spelling on maps, both paper and electronic differs, which then differ from the roadsigns, which ain't what the locals call it either

 

[McMadd]

More likely driver error I'd assume...

 

[wolfbirder]

Indeed McMadd, but it is undoubtedly quite a difficult country for English-speaking visitors to navigate without using modern GPS.

And that is not any criticism, why should it cater for English-speaking people. But for example road numbers were really hit and miss. The 1131 road for example, although not a dual carriageway or anything, was only marked as the 1131 on road signs approaching from one direction and not the other.

 

[Jos Stratford]

Indeed McMadd, but it is undoubtedly quite a difficult country for English-speaking visitors to navigate without using modern GPS.

Might I recommend you don't venture into countries with non-Western alphabets

 

[wolfbirder]

Jos, it really doesn't bare thinking about:-C::-O

 

[McMadd]

Might I recommend you don't venture into countries with non-Western alphabets

If only our world renowned education system produced a nation of English speakers...oh...wait... :t:

 

[Andy Adcock]

Sounds like Crete, where the name/spelling on maps, both paper and electronic differs, which then differ from the roadsigns, which ain't what the locals call it either

Or Lesbos / Lesvos where no one can agree even on the name of the Island!

Andy

 

[wolfbirder]

If only our world renowned education system produced a nation of English speakers...oh...wait... :t:

To be fair I came across a lot of Finns who spoke English. Credit to them.

 

[rosbifs]

I was always very jealous of my finnish cousins
one spoke finnish, swedish (fluent), english (fluent), german (high standard), russian (high standard) and french (lesser standard)

but it was always a problem for me that they wanted to practice their english on me making it difficult, athough easier at the time, to progress my finnish...

when birdwatching last year the directions we nearly all gps co-ordinates and the river warbler was about a metre out and the ural owl 10m - almost enough to complain!! whereas my own memory of old routes led into peoples yards and 'angry' none english speaking back country boys - thought i was in an episode of lizard lick...

 

[wolfbirder]

I always feel apologetic about my lack of languages, I can do very broken French because that is what I did at school, but I always thank people for conversing in English and apologise for my perceived laziness. They understand tho, saying "well it is the language of the world" or words to that effect.

But yes, it amazes me how many people can speak multi-languages, and it does put the British population to shame somewhat I feel.

 

[etudiant]

when birdwatching last year the directions we nearly all gps co-ordinates and the river warbler was about a metre out and the ural owl 10m - almost enough to complain!!

So true!
It was a bit surreal, driving along a featureless road, our guide stops, we pile out of the car and are introduced to the local Hawk Owl.
Apparently dedicated local birders have built up nest box trails along the major highways, thousands of boxes, which are monitored routinely.
Makes it almost too easy for visitors. Sort of shooting sitting ducks.

 

[Gavin Mac]

A great read Nick as always! I felt I was there with you...''every snow crunching step of the way.'' Ah-h yes...those last minute decisions taken on an adventure trip, with the adrenalin surge, lack of sleep, dipping and scoring as you go, not to mention the language difference/signage, cost...physical and fiscal... you can't beat it. :t:

Have done a few of these euro weekends in the past. First was 10 years ago when there were many Pine Grosbeaks in southern Scandinavia, including in Uppsala, Sweden and a Hawk Owl at nearby Knutby. Ryanair flight to Vasteras did the trick. The real mega was a Siberian Tit coming to feeders in a park in central Uppsala.

Did something similar for the Azure Tit @ Urrainnen, central Finland a year later, with Sibe Jay and White-backed Woody also. The real highlight of both these trips was the amazing monochrome light at night - a total white out in the moonlight.

 

[MKinHK]

A wonderful account of warts and all twitching - throughly enjoyed it.

Cheers
Mike

 

[wolfbirder]

Thank you very much Mike.

Twitching by myself certainly makes it much more hit and miss when it comes to connecting.

 

[wolfbirder]

Can anyone confirm what race of Spotted Nutcracker are in Finland, thick or thin-billed?

I am pretty sure it is the thick-billed 'caryocatactes caryocatactes'.

 

[KenM]

Can anyone confirm what race of Spotted Nutcracker are in Finland, thick or thin-billed?

I am pretty sure it is the thick-billed 'caryocatactes caryocatactes'.

According to my ''Observers book of Birds'' Nick :-O it's thick-billed.

cheers

 

[wolfbirder]

Nice one Ken, thanks mate:t: